Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets have reached an agreement on a five-year, $185 million contract extension. The deal, which was finalized just before the rookie extension deadline on Monday at 18:00 ET, includes a player option for the fifth year, giving Sengun flexibility in the future.

The Rockets and Sengun had been in talks since the beginning of the summer, negotiating the structure and terms of the extension. After months of discussion, the two sides managed to come to an agreement, according to The Athletic.

This contract, which was reported by ESPN, makes Sengun the first player since Luka Doncic and Trae Young to secure a five-year rookie extension with a player option, a rare arrangement that underscores the team’s commitment to him.

Stood out last season

Sengun‘s impressive 2023/24 season was a major factor in securing the new deal. He averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, leading the Rockets in both scoring and rebounding.

His performance placed him among an elite group of only six NBA players to reach those averages, alongside stars such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, and Doncic.

Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for the last 18 games of the season, Sengun still managed to finish third in the voting for the Most Improved Player award.

Throughout the offseason, Rockets coaches spent time working with Sengun in Turkey, preparing him for the upcoming 2024/25 season. Their efforts reflect the franchise’s investment in his development and readiness to be a cornerstone of the team’s future.

Drafted 16th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021, Sengun was traded to Houston on draft night in exchange for two future first-round picks. Before making his move to the NBA, he honed his skills over three seasons in the Turkish Basketball Super League, from 2018 to 2021.